Rising to the challenges of AMP8

The 2025-2030 Asset Management Plan (AMP) investment period will be one of the most challenging since the sector’s privatisation. The combined issues of climate change, population growth and ageing infrastructure threaten water companies’ ability to provide reliable and cost-effective services.

Failure to confront pressing challenges in AMP8 may result in added problems: infrastructure that is beyond repair, increased storm flows and water scarcity, and irreversible environmental degradation. The next five years present an opportunity for the industry to transform the water network, deliver better services for customers, and safeguard vital water resources.

Securing the water network

The Office for National Statistics predicts 78 million people will be living in the UK by 2050. According to the Environment Agency, the country will experience a shortfall of almost five billion litres of water daily unless action is taken. To exacerbate the problem, current potable and wastewater estates already lack adequate storage, are exceeding design lifespans, and, in some cases, are a risk to public health and the environment.

Upgrading the ageing water network to support present and future demand will require more than building new infrastructure, which takes time and puts further strain on the environment. Instead, water companies should maximise what they already have, utilising expert techniques to modernise assets to current regulation standards and make them robust enough to stand the test of time.

Stonbury works with clients to deliver innovative ways to repurpose existing infrastructure and breathe new life into ageing assets. Examples include re-servicing abandoned facilities, increasing tank capacities, and repurposing, repairing and re-coating storage and treatment assets. These bespoke refurbishment programmes reduce asset downtime, cost a fraction of building new and achieve goals without compromising the planet and future water security.

Enhancing the environment

Industry-wide challenges are compounded by pollution, biodiversity loss and more extreme weather events, which are putting unprecedented strain on built and natural systems. As a result, sustainability and achieving Net Zero are now  central considerations.

It is imperative that AMP8 sees an industry-wide shift away from the reliance on grey-box infrastructure and towards adopting nature-based solutions. Companies should prioritise whole-catchment thinking and deliver projects that restore water ecosystems to enhance climate change resilience, protect water quality, and adhere to carbon targets.

Stonbury’s environment-conscious engineering projects help clients transition to sustainable methods of delivery that focus on longevity, resilience, and whole-life asset performance. Using the carbon curve to inform all projects, Stonbury drives sustainability within traditional build methods while promoting green engineering offerings such as reed beds, river restoration and natural flood management to address wastewater processing, flood and drought protection, and biodiversity restoration.

Collaborating to succeed

Company-supplier partnerships will be essential if the water industry is to deliver effective change during AMP8 and beyond. Adopting collaborative models such as ISO 44001:2017, the International Standard for Collaborative Working, early contractor involvement (ECI) and integrated project delivery (IPD) will improve efficiency by streamlining decision-making and optioneering for the most sustainable, cost-effective outcomes. They also foster opportunities for companies to build high levels of trust, integrate resources and manage long-term risk.

Truly sustainable solutions can only be achieved with buy-in from the entire supply chain; therefore Stonbury guarantees to support providers that abide by its Supply Chain Charter and align with the goals set out in its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.

Commitment from every stakeholder is crucial to revitalise the country’s water network and better serve customers, communities and the environment. As a key player driving sustainability within the sector, Stonbury is proud to help clients achieve meaningful change and ensure the long-term viability of their services.

“Delivering AMP8 presents a huge challenge for our industry. Thinking creatively about maximising the value of existing assets provides a great opportunity to deliver excellent value and outcomes. Asking nature to do some of the heavy lifting will also be an important factor.”